Moabite widow finds favor with God and you can too. Ruth married into a Jewish family who worshipped the God of Israel. Her faith in God was proven when she followed her mother-in-law and left everyone and everything she knew behind in Moab. The favor of God was unleashed upon her when she said Naomi's God would be her God.
What is the favor of God and how can you get it? Many seek to be favored by God, many want God’s favor but do not know exactly what that is or how to go about getting it. Let’s look at God’s favor on Ruth’s life and then let’s find out how we too can obtain and walk in God’s favor. What exactly is the favor of God? It is the tangible evidence of God’s approval. It is His delight in you being demonstrated through His unconditional love for you. God’s favor is a display of His kindness, generosity, and goodwill that is far beyond the expected. It is preferential treatment. It is Royal favor with the King. The more we please God, the more He favors us with spiritual blessings and of course material blessings. How can we obtain the favor of God? To obtain the favor of God we must first know that grace is unmerited or undeserved favor. Grace means favor, blessing or kindness. Those who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). They know the favor of God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6), but those who have saving faith in God’s Son are declared righteous (Romans 4:5; Philippians 3:9) and live in God’s favor. “In His favour is life…” declares the psalmist (Psalm 30:5). The answer to “how can I obtain the favor of God” is “believe in the Lord Jesus.” We can obtain the favor of God like Ruth did by following her example. Ruth found favor with God when she said to her mother-in-law Naomi and we can make the same declarations and the same commitment to follow God. "…where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God; (Ruth 1:16). Ruth also found favor with God when she gleaned among the ears of grain in the field of Boaz. Her reputation of a woman of integrity spread throughout Bethlehem and he heard of it and showered her with favor. Boaz said, “Don’t go to glean in another field, and don’t go from here, but stay here close to my maidens.” He went on to let her know she was now under his protection and that he would provide for her. This is exactly what God does for us when we walk in His favor. Ruth found favor through her obedience. Naomi gave her specific instructions which she followed. The very next day Boaz was settling the matter of kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. God’s favor provided her a husband, a wealthy husband, a leader, a businessman, a man who loved and served God. Ruth’s story of favor does not end there either. “Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife; and he went in to her, and Yahweh gave her conception, and she bore a son.” (Ruth 4:13 WEB). But wait, the favor of God still rests upon Ruth and her genealogy. Her son was King David’s grandfather and ultimately Jesus Christ was born of her lineage. Just think, the Messiah was from her bloodline. Ruth was blessed to be in the lineage of royalty. We cannot help but see the favor of God all through her life. God took a poor, hurting widow, an outcast of Israel, and healed her, brought her great love and great fame. In every way possible God demonstrated His love for her. Ruth was brave, faithful, grateful, loyal, loving, respectful, committed, and remained humble as the Lord showered her with blessings. This is how to walk in the favor of God – by following her example. "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 1:7; Ephesians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:3). _____________________________________________________ Listen to our discussion on the first chapter of the Book of Ruth Chapter 1. *** You can also read Joanie Buchanan's blog about the Book of Ruth. *** Real Talk with Joanie and Cindy is an encouraging, inspirational, and motivational faith-based podcast with co-hosts Joanie Buchanan and Cindy Hyde. You can listen to their podcasts and read their blogs at Real Talk with Joanie and Cindy. Joanie and Cindy are both Christian authors, motivational speakers, ministers, radio personalities, counselors, and coaches who share their love for God and His Word with practical applications that help bring hope and healing to their listeners. They are listener supported. If their ministry has touched your life please help them carry the Gospel around the world by donating today. Paypal.me/healingcenter Your donations are tax deductible through The East Texas Healing Center. *** #JoanieBuchanan #CindyHyde #RealtalkwithJoanieandCindy #Favor #FindingtheFavorofGod #Grace #Ruth #GodsFavor
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AuthorsCo-hosts Joanie Buchanan and Cindy Hyde are inspiring women of God, authors, ministers, counselors, and coaches who talk about life's issues from a Biblical perspective to bring comfort, encouragement, and hope to their listeners. Listen to their podcast on Spreaker, iTunes, iHeartRadio Archives
January 2019
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